An affair, a bushranger, and ‘Getting Murdoched’: 14 new books to dig into this month

As the calendar flips into the second half of the year, book lovers are in for a treat with a wave of new releases scheduled for July. Among these, 14 notable titles stand out, offering readers a diverse range of genres, themes, and perspectives. From dystopian fiction to historical investigations, these books promise to engage, challenge, and entertain. Each title brings unique narratives and insights, reflecting both personal and collective experiences.

One of the standout novels is The End of Romance by Maria Takolander, a prize-winning poet making her debut as a novelist. Set in a dystopian world where the Earth has seemingly withdrawn its generosity, the novel follows an unnamed woman determined to rescue her son from a military school preparing boys for colonization on a distant planet known as the Promised Land. Their journey mirrors elements of classic road trip literature, yet it raises questions about whether true sanctuary exists at the end of their travels. Takolander's narrative explores themes of survival, hope, and the search for meaning amidst environmental collapse.

Another compelling release is Getting Murdoched, co-authored by Andrew Dodd and Matthew Ricketson. As former journalists turned media academics, the duo provides an in-depth analysis of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation across Australia, Britain, and the United States. The book highlights the influence and power wielded by the corporation, particularly through its media outlets such as The Australian, News of the World, and Fox News. It delves into instances where the company has been accused of using its platforms to undermine individuals or groups that oppose its viewpoints or challenge its dominance in the media landscape.

In the realm of contemporary fiction, Worry Doll by Laura McPhee-Browne offers a dual perspective on an intense romantic affair. The story unfolds through the eyes of Heloise and Lacey, two women separated by geography and time. Heloise, living with her boyfriend in Australia, becomes entangled in a passionate relationship with Lacey, who resides in New Zealand and studies clouds. The novel is structured around two distinct timelines—each spanning a week and separated by 18 months—offering contrasting views of desire, memory, and delusion. Through these intertwined narratives, McPhee-Browne explores the complexities of love and the emotional toll it can exact on individuals.

Sally Piper's People Like Us presents a poignant look at the challenges faced by women navigating difficult circumstances. The protagonist, Tina, finds herself in a liminal space between marriage and divorce, working at a service station while caring for an elderly neighbor. Her life reflects the struggles of women often overlooked in society, highlighting issues related to income, housing, and the added burdens of aging. Piper's novel serves as a tribute to the resilience of women who face adversity with grace and moral integrity.

Naomi Parry Duncan's Musquito delves into the history of Indigenous resistance in Tasmania, focusing on the figure of Musquito, an English-speaking leader executed in 1825. Duncan critically examines the portrayal of Musquito as the sole instigator of armed resistance against colonial forces, arguing that this depiction is misleading. Additionally, she uncovers intriguing connections to her own ancestry, revealing that one of her relatives was involved in capturing Musquito in 1805—a moment that contributed to the dispossession of the island's original inhabitants.

Allee Richards' Tight Lines transports readers back to the 1990s Gippsland coast, where three teenage friends—Luke, Josh, and Matty—are immersed in the joys of surfing, fishing, and pushing boundaries. The arrival of visitors Millie and Jess introduces a series of ups and downs that ultimately lead to a tragic event, fracturing the group and sending them on divergent paths into adulthood. Richards meticulously develops her characters, posing the question of whether reconciliation is possible among those who have been irrevocably changed by loss.

E. Menzies and Ross G. Menzies' Being Rachel tackles profound philosophical inquiries regarding the human condition. Drawing upon psychological theories and cultural references, the authors explore the weight of expectations, the inevitability of death, and the quest for meaning in life. By examining concepts such as the "indecisiveness scale" and the works of thinkers like William James and Ernest Becker, the book aims to provide insight into how individuals navigate existential angst while acknowledging the inherent value of human existence.

Yumna Kassab's Parramatta takes the form of a dictionary, reimagining traditional structures to reflect her personal experiences of the city. This innovative approach allows readers to delve into the multifaceted nature of Parramatta through a blend of memoir, reflection, and storytelling. Kassab's work invites exploration of place, identity, and the interplay between personal and communal histories.

Chris Ames' I Made This Just For You features a collection of stories that showcase the author's talent for crafting engaging narratives. From a man creating content for a sleep app to an actor grappling with authenticity in a commercial audition, each story offers a glimpse into everyday life filled with humor, irony, and unexpected twists. The inclusion of a story presented as a crossword puzzle adds a layer of creativity and playfulness to the collection.

Kris Kneen's Rite of Spring delivers an intense and erotic tale centered around a couple attempting to mend their fractured relationship by retreating to a Tasmanian lighthouse. The narrative explores themes of infidelity, isolation, and the deep connection between the characters and the natural world. As the story progresses, questions arise about the mysterious sounds heard by the protagonist and the enigmatic presence on the island, adding layers of intrigue and tension to the plot.

Paul Kelly's The Twilight of Exceptionalism offers a critical examination of the decade under the leadership of Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, and Scott Morrison. Focusing on shifts in global morality concerning economics, technology, energy, and society, Kelly analyzes the challenges faced by the ruling party during this period. His commentary addresses the broader implications of governance failures and the changing dynamics within Australian politics.